Amid the growing debate over misuse of dowry harassment laws, IIT-IIM graduate Pratyusha Challa has shared her family's plight, alleging extortion and false allegations under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.
In a YouTube video, Challa explained how her brother's 10-day marriage turned into a long-term legal nightmare that cost her career opportunities, suspended her passport, and left her family emotionally and financially devastated.
Section 498A, which is meant to protect married women from atrocities, has faced increased scrutiny for misuse. The Supreme Court highlighted this concern in a recent ruling saying there is a “growing trend” of using the law as a “tool to unleash personal vendettas” against husbands and their families. Judges B.V. A bench headed by Justices Nagaratne and Kotiswar Singh warned that vague and generalized allegations of matrimonial disputes, if left unchecked, could lead to backbiting tactics and harassment of innocent family members.
Challa's story echoes these concerns. Her brother, an assistant professor in Hyderabad, married a woman from Rajahmundry in February 2019. Within days the relationship turned hostile. “She misbehaved with my parents, barred my brother from his room, and repeatedly threatened to kill himself,” Challa alleged. Ten days after the marriage, the woman left the family home and filed a 498A case alleging harassment of the family.
Challa claimed the case was part of a wider extortion scheme orchestrated by her sister-in-law and her family, who allegedly carried out similar schemes on other occasions. She further alleged that the FIR was filed in violation of Supreme Court guidelines without proper consultation or investigation.
“The police even came in her private vehicle, and the process seems to have been premeditated,” Challa said.
Her brother had made nearly 40 journeys between Hyderabad and Rajahmundry for court hearings, which were often delayed due to the absence of the petitioner. Meanwhile, her parents' health has deteriorated under the stress. “These five years have been nothing but shocking,” Challa said.
The Supreme Court's observations resonate with Challa's plight. In its recent judgment, the court quashed a 498A case, stating that vague and broad allegations without corroborating evidence cannot justify criminal prosecution. The court emphasized the need for checks to prevent misuse of legal provisions and undue harassment of innocent family members.